Makapu'u Lighthouse

This picture was taken all the way back in 2005. It is one of my all time favorite pics from out in Hawaii. This picture was made possible because of a spontaneous trip that originated with my buddy Chaz asking if I was done with classes and wanted to go on an adventure while I was leaving the library of BYU-Hawaii. I quickly replied yes and before I knew it I was in a busted up old SUV with several friends on our way to the lighthouse at Makapu'u. After we went into town and had Thai food which really tied things up nicely. This picture features Maggie Nilsson and myself messing around with the depth of field. Quite the optical illusion.

A Little Hawaii Reunion

We had a small scale dinner get together and reunited in memory of our former lives in Hawaii. It's always therapeutic to meet up, catch up, and reflect on our former, more glorious lifestyle. This particular group covers several different eras. Ghent happens to be the O.G. of the group.

HAWAII AS HOME

I just moved. WEIRD. I've lived in Hawaii since 2005 (minus going home for some summers and even taking a couple semesters off). It has been the greatest place to live and get an education. The best part about Hawaii has been the incredible people I have been able to associate with. Seriously the best of friends have been made while living on that small and secluded rock out in the Pacific.

The first picture was taken at the airport when I arrived for the first time to go to school. I was lucky to have a few incredible friends already living there to greet me. Emily, Seth, Robin, and Becky made my first semester in a far away land super easy. I was instantly plugged into their scene and the rest was history. GOOD TIMES INDEED.

The second picture was taken yesterday about an hour before I left to the airport. It was great to get a bite to eat at the Kahuku Grill and visit with a few friends before embarking on another adventure; this time instead of beaches and waves there will be lakes and mountains. I don't know when I'll ever live in Hawaii again but I know I'll be back. I just gotta make a pit stop on the mainland for a bit. Cheers.

What I've Been Up To



So I graduated from college this past December... So now what? Well, I have been busy these past few months with a few things. I have been doing an internship with one of my professor Chad Ford. He taught my Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding classes and I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to help out with The David O. McKay Center for Intercultural Understanding. He has been running it for several years now and I have been doing various things for that growing organization since September. It has been fun and educational and I'm going to miss it.

I've also had the opportunity to work with another professor: Dr. Blimes, as a research assistant as well. I leave tomorrow to go to Chicago where I will be presenting our research at the Midwest Political Science Association Conference along with a few other student researchers. Both of these opportunities are what kept me in Hawaii a little bit longer, as well as me finishing up my last 4 credits. As time ticks away these next couple weeks and as the semester comes to an end so does my excuse for being in Hawaii. Crap. I have a few things lined up if I wanted to stay but my gut says I should move on. Double crap.

I'll keep you posted on what happens. In the mean time, I'm enjoying my time here. I have a little bucket list of things I want to do before I leave. I've pretty much done everything I have wanted (I've been here quite awhile) but there are still a few more adventures to be had. Here are a few pictures of the momentous and eventful day of my graduation. It was a long time coming so it was sort of a big deal. Seriously though. It has been quite the journey as I have changed majors a couple times, taken time off to work and travel, gone on a study abroad, and picked up a minor.

Tuvalu

I had several friends recently return from the Island Nation of Tuvalu. We are a part of an organization called SIFE (Students In Free Enterprise) that works on projects that help our community and even branches off to distant lands such as Tuvalu. I'm working on a different project (which has been radical to be a part of) that I'll write more about in the future but this project has been so neat to see take shape. I could go on and on about the incredible things that were able to be done but here is a short teaser for what will eventually be a mini documentary about their experience with helping teach workshops and donate educational workshops. My buddy Spencer did the videography and put the trailer together. Look for more of his work in the future. He has talent. Here is some more info on the project. My close friend Nate took this picture while there. I rather enjoy it.